Research shows that there is approximately 3 million potential cellular subscribers in First Nations communities. This info led to the creation of Lynx Mobility Inc. – Canada’s first national cellular service provider that is equally owned by an Aboriginal group Naskapi Imuun and OmniGlobe Networks.
Lynx makes it possible for remote and rural communities across Canada to have access to low-cost cellular-satellite service. Benoit Fleury from Lynx Mobility said “The communities that we have been talking to have been asking for cellular services for a long time but the incumbent providers’ infrastructure and business models are not well suited for sparsely populated areas. Up until now, they simply had no viable alternatives. The arrival of Lynx Mobility will revolutionize that.”
The business model in itself is quite unique: based on a revenue-sharing model with local ownership of assets and the community manages their cellular service (basically creating their own cell brand) – in turn creating more jobs in the area. “This community-driven approach provides a long-term sustainable solution for our citizens. The revenues generated can be shared within the community, which will help in capacity building and job creation,” added Philip Einish, President of Naskapi Imuun.
Check out the corporate site here
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